Clip-in carrier package for beverage cans

ABSTRACT

A carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans includes a base for supporting the cans, a pair of opposed side walls flanking the cans and extending above the cans and a handle extending upwardly from an upper part of the side walls. The carrier package includes a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned adjacent to respective top portions of the cans to enable part of each top of each can to protrude through a corresponding aperture and a plurality of flaps each having a lower end defined by an upper edge of a corresponding aperture, the flaps being shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the cans to secure the cans with respect to the side walls while the tops of the cans protrude from the respective apertures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application 62/480,861 filed on Apr. 3, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to packaging of beverage cans, such as beer cans.

BACKGROUND

Beverage cans are generally sold in box-like packages of four, six or twelve cans per package. Folded cardboard boxes with or without compartments for each can are usually used to package and carry the beverage cans. Six-pack rings (also called six-pack yokes) and PakTech® can carriers are other examples of carrier devices that can attach to cans to facilitate grouping and carrying without a cardboard box. However, there are various drawback with the use of known boxes, carriers, and other package methods for beverage cans.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans each having an upper rim. The carrier package includes a base for supporting the plurality of beverage cans, a pair of opposed side walls, each including a lower portion extending upward from the base at respective sides thereof and flanking the cans and an upper portion extending from a top part of the lower portion and extending inwardly and above the cans to meet the opposed upper portion at a connection point, a handle extending upwardly from the connection point, a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent to respective top portions of the cans to enable part of each top of each beverage can to protrude through a corresponding aperture and a plurality of flaps each having a lower end that is defined by an upper edge of a corresponding aperture, the flaps being shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the beverage cans to secure the cans with respect to the side walls while the tops of the beverage cans protrude from the respective apertures.

In some embodiments, the flaps have respective arcuate edges that fit into the respective upper rims of the beverage cans.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from a disengaged position along the side of or above the corresponding can to an engaged position where the flap fits within the upper rim of the corresponding can, in response to upward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap snap-fits into the corresponding upper rim of the can as the flap is displaced from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap that is snap-fit into the upper rim of the corresponding can, stays in engaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the apertures are defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge defining a concave aperture shape and the lower end of the flaps, the lower edge having a convex aperture shape, the upper and lower edges meeting at a highest point of the aperture, and when the flaps are in the engaged position the highest point of the aperture is above the rims of the cans.

In some embodiments, each of the lower edges of the apertures defines an elongated shape of the aperture extending down the lower portion of the side walls.

In some embodiments, the apertures each comprise a main region and two arms extending upward from respective sides of the main region, defining the flap between the two arms.

In some embodiments, the main region is defined by curvilinear upper and lower edges, the upper edge having a greater radius of curvature than that of the lower edge, and wherein the lower edge comprises side edges that are generally straight.

In some embodiments, the generally straight side edges are positioned such that the main region has a generally downward pointing triangle shape.

In some embodiments, the arms are shaped as thin slot-like arms.

In some embodiments, a pre-fold line extends between a side of the upper edge of the aperture to an opposite side of said edge so as to delineate a pre-fold zone between the pre-fold line and the upper edge of the aperture for each of the flaps.

In some embodiments, the pre-fold zone of the flaps has a horizontal lens shape.

In some embodiments, the carrier package further includes base openings arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent to respective bottom portions of the cans to enable a portion of each bottom of each can to protrude through a corresponding base opening.

In some embodiments, the base openings are defined by an upper score line and an arc-shaped lower edge, the upper score line defining tabs extending downwardly from the side walls.

In some embodiments, the tabs have a half-hexagon shape.

In some embodiments, the base, the side walls, the flaps, the tabs and the handle are all formed from a single blank of material.

In some embodiments, the blank is made of paper fibers.

In some embodiments, the blank is made of cardboard.

In some embodiments, the carrier package has a flat configuration and a folded configuration, the folded configuration including the engaged position and the disengaged position.

In some embodiments, the blank includes, when in the flat configuration: a central portion corresponding to the base of the carrier package, a pair of opposed middle portions on either side of the central portion and corresponding to the side walls of the carrier package and a pair of opposed end portions corresponding to the handle of the carrier package.

In some embodiments, the blank in the flat configuration comprises a longitudinal dimension extending along the central portion, the pair of opposed middle portions, and the pair of opposed end portions, and wherein the blank comprises folds extending along a transverse dimension of the blank.

In some embodiments, the folds define the central portion, the pair of opposed middle portions, and the pair of opposed end portions with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two pairs of bottom folds provided on either side of the central portion of the blank, and defining a width of the base.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two pairs of top folds provided between respective middle and end portions, defining a height of the lower portions of the side walls.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two end folds on respective end portions, defining the widths of the upper portions of the side walls and a height of the handle.

In some embodiments, each pair of bottom folds and each pair of top folds consists of two folds.

In some embodiments, the pair of bottom folds forms a flexible bottom portion between the base and the lower portion of the side walls, the flexible bottom portion wrapping around a bottom part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the pair of top folds forms a flexible top portion between the lower portion of the side walls and the upper portion of the side walls, the flexible top portion wrapping around a top part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the pair of bottom folds and the pair of top folds are located and configured to enable: movement of the lower portion of the side walls toward the beverage cans in response to an upward displacement of the handle and movement of the lower portion of the side walls away from the beverage cans in response to a downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the apertures are located in an apertured region of the side walls, and at least one fold of the pair of top folds extends along the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the pair of top folds comprises an upper fold and a lower fold, the lower fold extending through the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the upper fold extends through the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the lower fold extends through the apertured region where the main regions of the apertures are located, and the upper fold extends through the apertured region where tips of the arms of the apertures are located.

In some embodiments, the upper fold is discontinuous and comprises a plurality of discrete fold lines located in between adjacent apertures and between end apertures and adjacent side edges of the side wall, thus providing foldless regions where the flaps are located.

In some embodiments, the lower fold is continuous and extends through all material of the apertured region.

In some embodiments, each of the upper portions of the side walls comprises a proximal member connected to the lower portion and a distal member connected to the proximal member, wherein an end fold is located to define the proximal and distal members, wherein the distal members of the opposed upper portions are connected in co-planar fashion to form the handle.

In some embodiments, opposed faces of the distal members are connected together to form a two-layer structure that forms the handle.

In some embodiments, the distal members are glued together to form the handle.

In some embodiments, the distal members each comprise an opening, and the openings are aligned when the distal members are connected together to form a single handle opening for receiving a hand of a user.

In some embodiments, the blank comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including indicia.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure four beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure six beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure eight beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure twelve beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the opposed side walls define between ends thereof two open ends.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans each having an upper rim, the carrier package comprising a base for supporting the plurality of beverage cans, side structures extending upward from the base and flanking the beverage cans, a handle extending upwardly from an upper part of the side structures and located above the beverage cans, a plurality of flaps connected to the side structures, each flap being shaped and positioned to be displaceable from a disengaged position along a side of a corresponding beverage can to an engaged position where the flap fits within an upper rim of the corresponding beverage can, in response to upward displacement of the handle, the flaps thereby securing the beverage cans.

In some embodiments, the carrier package further includes a plurality of apertures that are spaced-apart from each other along each of the side structures and positioned to be adjacent to respective top portions of the beverage cans to enable part of each top of each beverage can to protrude through a corresponding aperture, wherein each aperture has an upper edge that is defined by a lower end of a corresponding one of the flaps.

In some embodiments, the flaps have respective arcuate edges that fit into the respective upper rims of the beverage cans.

In some embodiments, the side structures, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap that is snap-fit into the upper rim of the corresponding can, stays in engaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the side structures, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the side structures comprise a pair of opposed side walls, each one of the side walls comprising a lower portion extending upwardly from the base at respective sides thereof and an upper portion extending from a top part of the lower portion, wherein the upper part of each upper portion extends inwardly to meet the opposed upper part of the upper portion at a connection point, the handle extending upwardly from the connection point.

In some embodiments, the side walls have a rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the side walls have a square shape.

In some embodiments, the upper parts of the upper portions of the side walls define a vertical gap between the top of the beverage cans and the handle, thus allowing upward and downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the upper parts of the upper portions of the side walls meet at an angle between 5 degrees and 30 degrees with respect to the top surface of the beverage cans.

In some embodiments, the apertures have a lower edge defining a convex aperture shape and the upper edge defines a concave aperture shape, the lower edge meeting the upper edge of the aperture at a highest point of the aperture, and when the flaps are in the engaged position the highest point of the aperture is above the rims of the cans.

In some embodiments, each of the lower edges of the apertures defines an elongated shape of the aperture extending down the lower portion of the side walls.

In some embodiments, the apertures each comprise a main region and a pair of arms extending upwardly from respective sides of the main region, defining the flap between the two arms.

In some embodiments, the main region and the pair of arms are sized and configured such that the pair of arms engage tangentially with the upper rims of the beverage cans when the flaps are in the engaged position.

In some embodiments, the arms are shaped as thin slot-like arms.

In some embodiments, the main region is defined by curvilinear upper and lower edges, the upper edge having a greater radius of curvature than that of the lower edge, and wherein the lower edge comprises side edges that are generally straight.

In some embodiments, the generally straight side edges are positioned such that the main region has a generally downward pointing triangle shape.

In some embodiments, a pre-fold line extends between a side of the upper edge of the aperture to an opposite side of said upper edge so as to delineate a pre-fold zone between the pre-fold line and the upper edge of the aperture for each of the flaps.

In some embodiments, the pre-fold zone of the flaps has a horizontal lens shape.

In some embodiments, the carrier package further includes base openings arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent to respective bottom portions of the cans to enable a portion of each bottom of each can to protrude through a corresponding base opening.

In some embodiments, the base openings are defined by an upper score line and an arc-shaped lower edge, the upper score line defining tabs extending downwardly from the side walls.

In some embodiments, the tabs have a half-hexagon shape.

In some embodiments, the base, the side walls, the flaps, the tabs and the handle are all formed from a single blank of material.

In some embodiments, the blank is made of paper fibers.

In some embodiments, the blank is made of cardboard.

In some embodiments, the carrier package has a flat configuration and a folded configuration, the folded configuration including the engaged position and the disengaged position of the flaps.

In some embodiments, the blank comprises, when in the flat configuration a central portion corresponding to the base of the carrier package, a pair of opposed middle portions on either side of the central portion and corresponding to the side walls of the carrier package and a pair of opposed end portions corresponding to the handle of the carrier package.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed middle portions and the pair of opposed end portions are longitudinally spaced apart from the central portion in the flat configuration and wherein the blank comprises folds extending along a transverse dimension of the blank.

In some embodiments, the folds define the central portion, the pair of opposed middle portions, and the pair of opposed end portions with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two pairs of bottom folds provided on either side of the central portion of the blank, and defining a width of the base.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two pairs of top folds provided between respective middle and end portions, defining a height of the lower portions of the side walls.

In some embodiments, the folds comprise two end folds on respective end portions, defining the widths of the upper portions of the side walls and a height of the handle.

In some embodiments, each pair of bottom folds and each pair of top folds consists of two folds.

In some embodiments, the pair of bottom folds forms a flexible bottom portion between the base and the lower portion of the side walls, the flexible bottom portion wrapping around a bottom part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the pair of top folds forms a flexible top portion between the lower portion of the side walls and the upper portion of the side walls, the flexible top portion wrapping around a top part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the pair of bottom folds and the pair of top folds are located and configured to enable: movement of the lower portion of the side walls toward the beverage cans in response to an upward displacement of the handle and movement of the lower portion of the side walls away from the beverage cans in response to a downward displacement of the handle.

In some embodiments, the pair of opposed side walls define between ends thereof two open ends.

In some embodiments, the pair of top folds and the pair of bottom folds are sized and configured such that a user inserts or removes a beverage can through the open ends.

In some embodiments, the base of the carrier package comprises a central pre-fold line enabling the carrier package to be configured in a flattened configuration wherein opposed faces of the side walls contact one another.

In some embodiments, the apertures are located in an apertured region of the side walls, and at least one fold of the pair of top folds extends along the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the pair of top folds comprises an upper fold and a lower fold, the lower fold extending through the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the upper fold extends through the apertured region.

In some embodiments, the lower fold extends through the apertured region where the main regions of the apertures are located, and the upper fold extends through the apertured region where tips of the arms of the apertures are located.

In some embodiments, the upper fold is discontinuous and comprises a plurality of discrete fold lines located in between adjacent apertures and between end apertures and adjacent side edges of the side wall, thus providing foldless regions where the flaps are located.

In some embodiments, the lower fold is continuous and extends through all material of the apertured region.

In some embodiments, each of the upper portions of the side walls comprises a proximal member connected to the lower portion and a distal member connected to the proximal member, wherein an end fold is located to define the proximal and distal members, wherein the distal members of the opposed upper portions are connected in co-planar fashion to form the handle.

In some embodiments, opposed faces of the distal members are connected together to form a two-layer structure that forms the handle.

In some embodiments, the distal members are glued together to form the handle.

In some embodiments, the distal members each comprise an opening, and the openings are aligned when the distal members are connected together to form a single handle opening for receiving a hand of a user.

In some embodiments, the blank comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including indicia.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure four beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure six beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure eight beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure ten beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the carrier package is configured and sized to receive and secure twelve beverage cans arranged in pairs.

In some embodiments, the end folds are positioned and configured such that the handle is foldable on either side of the side walls in the folded configuration for enabling stacking of a plurality of carrier packages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are a perspective view, a front elevation view and a right side elevation view respectively, of a carrier package in a folded configuration and holding eight cans, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a carrier package in a flat configuration for four cans, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a carrier package in a flat configuration for six cans, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a carrier package in a flat configuration for eight cans, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a carrier package in a flat configuration for twelve cans, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an aperture shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of different geometrical configurations of apertures in a flat configuration.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an aperture and a pre-fold line defining a pre-fold zone in a flat configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the embodiments of the carrier package and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the carrier package, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a carrier package that notably includes flaps that can clip into an upper rim of beverage cans to support and secure the beverage cans, particularly when a user lifts the carrier packed via a handle. Various aspects and embodiments are described below.

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, a possible embodiment of the carrier package 100 for carrying eight beverage cans is shown in a folded configuration, with the beverage cans being positioned in two rows of four cans. The carrier package 100 includes a base 200, opposed side walls 300, a handle 400, a plurality of apertures 500 and base openings 700, and a plurality of flaps 600. The total number of apertures 500 and base openings 700 is preferably equal to the number of cans that can be secured within the package. The cans are supported by the base 200 of the carrier package 100 and laterally supported by the opposed side walls 300. The side walls 300 can be seen as a pair of side structures that can be substantially identical to each other. In the embodiment shown, the side walls have a rectangular shape. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the side walls may have a square shape or other shapes, and may be the same or different from each other.

It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the total number of apertures is less than the number of cans that are contained within the package. For instance, when viewed from the front, the side walls may be substantially shaped as rectangles, and the apertures and base openings may be located at the corners of the substantially rectangular shape. In other words, for a carrier package containing eight cans, a total of four apertures and four base openings would be provided on the carrier package, thus enabling a portion of the top and the bottom of the cans at each end of a row only to protrude through a corresponding aperture and base opening respectively. In another embodiment (not shown), the carrier package can comprise the same number of apertures than the number of cans to carry and no base opening.

FIG. 2 shows a carrier package 120 for four cans in a flat configuration. Referring now to FIG. 1A and to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, each side wall 300 comprises a lower portion 310 and an upper portion 320. The lower portion 310 of each side wall 300 extends from a side of the base 200 and flanks one row of the cans. The upper portion 320 of each side wall extends from a top part of each lower portion 310 and inwardly to meet the opposed upper portion 320 above the cans at a connection point 330. The opposed side walls 300 therefore define between ends thereof two open ends of the carrier package. These open ends allow a user to easily grab a beverage can contained within the carrier package without tearing the carrier package. Consequently, the package can be reused to store the empty beverage cans to bring them back to the store for refund, for example. Moreover, by providing a carrier package having open ends, a significant reduction of the material used can be achieved. From the connection point 330 at which the upper portions 320 of the side walls 300 of the carrier package meet, the handle 400 extends upwards.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, which show possible embodiments of the carrier package (120, 140, 100, 160) for carrying four, six, eight or twelve beverage cans, each side wall 300 of the carrier package comprises apertures 500, flaps 600 and base openings 700 to maintain the beverage cans in place while a user is carrying the package. The apertures 500 are positioned to be adjacent to respective top portions of the cans. This enables a part of each top of each beverage can to protrude through a corresponding aperture 500. The apertures can be cutouts of the material of the side walls designed to provide convex portions of material attached to the side walls that are referred to as the flaps 600. Since embodiments of the present invention are aimed at securing and carrying beverage cans having an upper rim, the flaps can be provided to act as a kind of locking mechanism to maintain the cans in place. As part of a given beverage can protrudes through the aperture, the corresponding flap 600 can be arranged to fit within the upper rim of the beverage can, thus preventing the displacement of the can within the carrier package. In particular, the distal edge of the flap 600 fits in the corresponding groove or joint defined between the upward-extending part of the rim and the generally horizontal top surface of the beverage can.

As shown in FIG. 6, the aperture 500 is generally defined by an upper edge 510 and a lower edge 520. The upper edge 510 of the aperture 500 defines a concave aperture shape and it also defines the lower end of the flaps. The lower edge 520 of the aperture has a convex aperture shape. The upper 510 and lower 520 edges meet at the highest point of the aperture. When the flaps 600 are in an engaged position, e.g., the flaps are snap-fit into the rims of the cans, the highest point of the aperture is above the rims of the cans, as shown in FIG. 1A.

In still referring to FIG. 6, the apertures 500 may each comprise a main region 530 and two arms 540 extending upward from respective sides of the main region 530, and therefore define the flap 600 between the two arms 540. In an embodiment, the pair of arms engage tangentially with the upper rims of the beverage cans when the flaps are in the engaged position.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show possible embodiments of the package for which the main regions 530 of the apertures are defined by curvilinear upper 510 and lower 520 edges. The upper edge 510 may have a greater radius of curvature than that of the lower edge 520, and the lower edge generally comprises side edges that are straight.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of possible aperture shapes. In an embodiment of the invention, the generally straight side edges are positioned such that the main region 530 has a downward pointing triangle shape. The arms 540 of the apertures that are extending upward from each side of the main region can be shaped as thin slot-like arms, such as some of the apertures shapes illustrated in FIG. 7. In an embodiment of the invention, the lower edges 520 of the apertures define an elongated shape of the apertures that are extending down the lower portion 310 of the side walls.

As previously mentioned, in addition to the apertures 500 and associated flaps 600 that maintain the top parts of the beverage cans in place within the carrier package, base openings 700 are preferably used to support the bottom parts of the cans in place as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C. Similar to the apertures, the base openings 700 are arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent, in this case, to the respective bottom portions of the cans. The base openings 700 configuration enables a portion of each bottom of each can to protrude through a corresponding base opening 700.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the base openings are defined by an upper score line 710 and an arc-shaped lower edge 720. The upper score line 710 defines the outer shape of tabs 730 extending downwardly from the side walls 300. According to an embodiment, the tabs 730 have a half-hexagon shape. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the tabs may have a rectangular shape or a rounded shape or any other appropriate tab shape.

As previously described, the side walls 300 of the carrier package further include the flaps 600 that are shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the beverage cans. The cans are thus secured in place with respect to the side walls 300 while the tops of the beverage cans protrude from the respective apertures 500 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. Each flap 600 has a lower end that is defined by the upper edge 510 of the corresponding aperture 500 and this lower end snap-fits into the rims of the cans. In order to lock the beverage cans in place, the flaps 600 have arcuate edges that fit into the respective upper rims of the beverage cans. In this configuration, it is said that the flaps 600 are in an engaged position, in opposition to a disengaged position for which the flaps 600 are positioned along the side of or above the corresponding cans.

The opposed side walls 300, the apertures 500 and the flaps 600 are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from a disengaged position to an engaged position in response to an upward displacement of the handle 400. In response to a downward movement of the handle 400, each flap 600 is displaced from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Moving the handle 400 downward can therefore allow a user to easily grab a beverage can and take it out of the package, or to insert a can in an empty aperture 500. Taking a beverage can out or positioning one into the package is facilitated through open ends of the package that are defined by the opposed side walls 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A to 1C, it is shown that a portion of each top of each beverage can protrudes through a corresponding aperture 500. It is shown on FIG. 1C that the upper portion of each one of the side walls 300 extends inwardly above the cans to meet the opposed upper portion, thus defining a vertical gap between the top of the beverage cans and the handle for allowing upward and downward displacement of the handle. As shown, the upper portions of the side walls meet at an angle 61 that may vary between 5 degrees and 30 degrees with respect to the top surface of the beverage cans.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention as shown on FIG. 8, each flap 600 can include a pre-fold line 650 defining a pre-fold zone 660 of the flap. The pre-fold zone 660 configuration, size and position allows each flap 600 that is snap-fit into the upper rim of the corresponding can to stay in engaged position in response to a downward displacement of the handle 400. When a user is carrying the package filled with beverage cans, the handle may slightly move up and down. The pre-fold line 650 and the pre-fold region 660 therefore allow the flaps 600 to stay engaged within the upper rims of the cans and thereby securing the cans within the package.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the pre-fold line 650 extends between a side of the upper edge 510 of the aperture to an opposite side of said edge (between the arms 540 of the aperture) so as to delineate a pre-fold zone 660 between the pre-fold line 650 and the upper edge 510 of the aperture for each of the flaps 600. The pre-fold zone 660 preferably has an horizontal lens shape. This zone 660 and the pre-fold line 650 allow each of the flaps to stay in an engaged position when the handle 400 is moved upwards or downwards. The pre-fold line 650 can also have other forms, such as straight across the end of the flap.

As shown on FIGS. 2 to 5, the base 200, the side walls 300, the flaps 600, the tabs 730 and the handle 400 are all formed from a single blank 800 of material. The blank 800 is typically made out of paper fibers, more specifically of cardboard. Alternatively, the blank 800 may be cut out of any material that has structural and mechanical properties (e.g. flexibility) similar to cardboard. Among potential materials, are included cardboard, corrugated cardboard, folding carton, certain plastic materials, etc. According to various embodiments of the present invention, an aim is to provide a light and economical package for beverage cans and therefore the carrier package can be designed to use as little material as possible. It is estimated that an embodiment of the present carrier for holding six beverage cans has a blank of total area that is up to 50% less than a standard six pack carrier. The blank 800 may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including indicia. By indicia, it is meant that the outer surface includes printed features and/or stickers for example.

The carrier package has two main configurations: a folded configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and a flat configuration as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. As previously described, the folded configuration includes an engaged position and a disengaged position of the flaps. In the flat configuration, the blank 800 comprises a central portion 810, middle opposed portions 820 and opposed end portions 830. The central portion 810 corresponds to the base 200 of the carrier package. The middle portions 820 on either side of the central portion 810 correspond to the side walls 300 of the carrier package. The end portions 830 correspond to the handle 400 of the carrier package. It will be understood that the size and the position of the portions of the blank are precisely calculated to adequately support and secure the beverage cans in place.

As shown on FIGS. 2 to 5, in the flat configuration, the blank 800 comprises a longitudinal dimension that extends along the central portion 810, the opposed middle portions 820, and the opposed end portions 830. The blank 800 further comprises folds 900 that extend along a transverse dimension of the blank. These folds 900 define the central portion 810, the opposed middle portions 820, and the opposed end portions 830 with respect to each other. It should be noted that the folds define the central portion 810, the opposed middle portions 820, and the opposed end portions 830 similarly for the embodiments shown on FIGS. 2 to 5 with only the dimensions changing for the number of cans to carry.

In an embodiment of the invention in the folded configuration, the folds 900 comprise two pairs each of: bottom folds 910 and top folds 920. The bottom folds 910 are provided on either side of the central portion 810 of the blank, and define a width of the base 200. The height of the lower portions 310 of the side walls is defined by the top folds 920 that are provided between respective middle 820 and end 830 portions of the blank. Each pair of bottom folds and each pair of top folds consists of two folds, therefore forming flexible sections of the carrier package. More precisely, the pair of bottom folds forms a flexible bottom portion between the base 200 and the lower portion 310 of the side walls. This flexible bottom portion wraps around a bottom part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration. Similarly, the pair of top folds forms a flexible top portion between the lower portion 310 of the side walls and the upper portion 320 of the side walls. The flexible top portion thus wraps around a top part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration. The position and the configuration of the bottom folds 910 and the top folds 920 enable a movement of the lower portion 310 of the side walls. In response to an upward displacement of the handle 400, which happens when the user grabs the carrier package by the handle and transports it, each of the lower portions 310 of the side walls moves toward the beverage cans to secure the cans in place by pushing the opposed cans tightly towards each other. In contrast, a downward displacement of the handle 400 results in a movement of the lower portion 310 of the side walls away from the beverage cans. The movement of the side walls against the beverage cans and the adjustment of the carrier package to its content is made possible by the accuracy of the calculated dimensions and configuration of each geometrical feature of the carrier. Preferably, the carrier package is also designed to be easily stored, stacked and reused. The carrier package can be flattened and put in the recycling bin, or stored to be reused for multiple visits to a store since the package is not damaged after being repeatedly used to carry the cans, manipulated to take cans out or put empty cans in, folded and flattened.

As shown on FIG. 3, the folds 900 of the blank also comprise two end folds 930 on respective end portions 830 of the blank which define the widths of the upper portions 320 of the side walls and a height of the handle 400. The position and configuration of the end folds 930 also enable the handle 400 to be folded on either side of the side walls in the folded configuration to allow stacking of a plurality of carrier packages containing beverage cans. A central pre-fold line 940 is also provided in the middle of the blank and extending transversally to the longitudinal dimension of the blank to enable the carrier package to be configured in a flattened configuration wherein opposed faces of the side walls contact one another.

As shown on FIGS. 1A to 5, the side walls 300 comprise an apertured region which is a region of the blank 800 that includes a plurality of apertures 500. As previously described, the folds 900 may comprise top folds 920, i.e. an upper top fold 922 and a lower top fold 924. In an embodiment of the invention, the upper top fold 922 extends along the apertured region. In another embodiment, the lower top fold 924 extends through the apertured region. In another embodiment, both folds extend through the apertured region. Alternatively, the lower top fold 924 may extend through the apertured region where the main regions 530 of the apertures are located, and the upper top fold 922 may extend through the apertured region where tips of the arms 540 of the apertures are located.

As shown in the embodiments of the invention in FIGS. 2 to 5, the upper top fold 922 is discontinuous and comprises a plurality of discrete fold lines located in between adjacent apertures 500. The discrete fold lines also extend between end apertures and adjacent side edges of the side wall. The discontinuous upper top fold 922 thus creates foldless regions where the flaps 600 are located. The lower top fold 924 is continuous and extends through all material of the apertured region.

As previously mentioned, the side walls 300 comprise lower 310 and upper 320 portions. In an embodiment, each of the upper portions 320 of the side walls includes a proximal member 340 that is connected to the lower portion 310 of the side wall. Each of the upper portions 320 additionally includes a distal member 350 connected to the proximal member 340. An end fold 930 defines the proximal 340 and distal 350 members. The distal members 350 of the opposed upper portions 320 are connected in co-planar fashion to form the handle 400. The handle is made of opposed faces of the distal members 350 that are connected together to form a two-layer structure. The distal members 350 may be glued together to form the handle 400. Each of the distal members comprises an opening 410, and the openings are aligned when the distal members 350 are connected together to form a single handle opening for receiving the hand of the user. As mentioned above, for storing or shipping purposes, the handle 400 may be folded down towards either side of the carrier package, and multiple carrier packages containing cans can be stacked on top of each other.

The embodiments of the carrier package shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 are designed for carrying four, six, eight or twelve beverage cans, but it will be understood that alternative configurations are possible to carry additional beverage cans or less. It should also be noted that the carrier package described herein for carrying beverage cans arranged in pairs (e.g., two-by-two along the base between the open ends), could be adapted to accommodate a single row of beverage cans wherein each beverage can engages with one or two flaps or other configurations of beverage cans. While it is preferred that the carrier package is configured so that each of the beverage cans engages with a corresponding flap, alternative configurations can be provided such that not all of the cans engage a flap (e.g., only the end cans engage corresponding flaps while middle cans do not). Indeed, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications can be made to the carrier package embodiments described herein to accommodate different shapes, numbers and/or arrangements of beverage cans, in order to leverage the engagement of flaps with corresponding parts (e.g., upper rim) of the beverage cans.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans each having an upper rim, the carrier package comprising: a base for supporting the plurality of beverage cans; a pair of opposed side walls, each comprising: a lower portion extending upward from the base at respective sides thereof and flanking the cans; and an upper portion extending from a top part of the lower portion and extending inwardly and above the cans to meet the opposed upper portion at a connection point; a handle extending upwardly from the connection point; a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent to respective top portions of the cans to enable part of each top of each beverage can to protrude through a corresponding aperture; and a plurality of flaps each having a lower end that is defined by an upper edge of a corresponding aperture, the flaps being shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the beverage cans to secure the cans with respect to the side walls while the tops of the beverage cans protrude from the respective apertures.
 2. The carrier package of claim 1, wherein the flaps have respective arcuate edges that fit into the respective upper rims of the beverage cans.
 3. The carrier package of claim 2, wherein the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from a disengaged position along the side of or above the corresponding can to an engaged position where the flap fits within the upper rim of the corresponding can, in response to upward displacement of the handle.
 4. The carrier package of claim 3, wherein the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap snap-fits into the corresponding upper rim of the can as the flap is displaced from the disengaged position to the engaged position.
 5. The carrier package of claim 3, wherein the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap that is snap-fit into the upper rim of the corresponding can, stays in engaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.
 6. The carrier package of claim 3, wherein the pair of opposed side walls, the apertures and the flaps are sized, positioned and configured such that each flap is displaceable from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to downward displacement of the handle.
 7. The carrier package of claim 3, wherein the apertures are defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge defining a concave aperture shape and the lower end of the flaps, the lower edge having a convex aperture shape, the upper and lower edges meeting at a highest point of the aperture, and when the flaps are in the engaged position the highest point of the aperture is above the rims of the cans.
 8. The carrier package of claim 1, wherein the apertures each comprise a main region and two arms extending upward from respective sides of the main region, defining the flap between the two arms.
 9. The carrier package of claim 8, wherein the main region is defined by curvilinear upper and lower edges and wherein a pre-fold line extends between a side of the upper edge of the aperture to an opposite side of the upper edge so as to delineate a pre-fold zone between the pre-fold line and the upper edge of the aperture for each of the flaps.
 10. The carrier package of claim 1, further comprising base openings arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned to be adjacent to respective bottom portions of the cans to enable a portion of each bottom of each can to protrude through a corresponding base opening.
 11. The carrier package of claim 10, wherein the base openings are defined by an upper score line and an arc-shaped lower edge, the upper score line defining tabs extending downwardly from the side walls.
 12. The carrier package of claim 11, wherein the base, the side walls, the flaps, the tabs and the handle are all formed from a single blank of material, the blank comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including indicia.
 13. The carrier package of claim 12, wherein the carrier package has a flat configuration and a folded configuration, the folded configuration including the engaged position and the disengaged position, and wherein the blank comprises, when in the flat configuration: a central portion corresponding to the base of the carrier package; a pair of opposed middle portions on either side of the central portion and corresponding to the side walls of the carrier package; and a pair of opposed end portions corresponding to the handle of the carrier package; wherein the blank in the flat configuration has a longitudinal dimension extending along the central portion, the pair of opposed middle portions, and the pair of opposed end portions, and folds extending along a transverse dimension of the blank.
 14. The carrier package of claim 13, wherein the folds define the central portion, the pair of opposed middle portions, and the pair of opposed end portions with respect to each other, the folds comprising: two pairs of bottom folds provided on either side of the central portion of the blank, and defining a width of the base; two pairs of top folds provided between respective middle and end portions, defining a height of the lower portions of the side walls; two end folds on respective end portions, defining the widths of the upper portions of the side walls and a height of the handle; wherein each pair of bottom folds and each pair of top folds consists of two folds.
 15. The carrier package of claim 14, wherein the pair of bottom folds forms a flexible bottom portion between the base and the lower portion of the side walls, the flexible bottom portion wrapping around a bottom part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration and wherein the pair of top folds forms a flexible top portion between the lower portion of the side walls and the upper portion of the side walls, the flexible top portion wrapping around a top part of the beverage cans when in the folded configuration and wherein the pair of bottom folds and the pair of top folds are located and configured to enable: movement of the lower portion of the side walls toward the beverage cans in response to an upward displacement of the handle; and movement of the lower portion of the side walls away from the beverage cans in response to a downward displacement of the handle.
 16. The carrier package of claim 14, wherein the apertures are located in an apertured region of the side walls, and at least one fold of the pair of top folds extends along the apertured region.
 17. The carrier package of claim 16, wherein the pair of top folds comprises an upper fold and a lower fold, the lower fold extending through the apertured region where the main regions of the apertures are located, and the upper fold extending through the apertured region where tips of the arms of the apertures are located.
 18. The carrier package of claim 17, wherein the upper fold is discontinuous and comprises a plurality of discrete fold lines located in between adjacent apertures and between end apertures and adjacent side edges of the side wall, thus providing foldless regions where the flaps are located and wherein the lower fold is continuous and extends through all material of the apertured region.
 19. The carrier package of claim 14, wherein each of the upper portions of the side walls comprises a proximal member connected to the lower portion and a distal member connected to the proximal member, wherein an end fold is located to define the proximal and distal members, wherein the distal members of the opposed upper portions each comprise an opening, the openings being aligned when the distal members are connected in co-planar fashion to form a single handle opening for receiving a hand of a user.
 20. A carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans each having an upper rim, the carrier package comprising: a base for supporting the plurality of beverage cans; side structures extending upward from the base and flanking the beverage cans; a handle extending upwardly from an upper part of the side structures and located above the beverage cans; a plurality of flaps connected to the side structures, each flap being shaped and positioned to be displaceable from a disengaged position along a side of a corresponding beverage can to an engaged position where the flap fits within an upper rim of the corresponding beverage can, in response to upward displacement of the handle, the flaps thereby securing the beverage cans. 